1. Don’t draw out the goodbyes: The weeks leading up to the college send-off can be full of “lasts” and goodbyes with friends and family. When saying goodbye at the dorms, make it as quick and painless as possible. less

1. Don’t draw out the goodbyes: The weeks leading up to the college send-off can be full of “lasts” and goodbyes with friends and family. When saying goodbye at the dorms, make it as quick and painless as ... more

Photo: Pool, Getty Images

1. Don’t draw out the goodbyes: The weeks leading up to the... Photo-6666427.90783 - Houston Chronicle

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2. Provide reassurance: Though your child may appear ready to leave and eager to start this new adventure, there is sure to be a little anxiety and uneasiness. Reassure them that they will be fine on their own at college. less

2. Provide reassurance: Though your child may appear ready to leave and eager to start this new adventure, there is sure to be a little anxiety and uneasiness. Reassure them that they will be fine on their own ... more

3. Don’t worry, be happy: Get used to the fact that they will have their own lives at college. It’s easier said than done not to worry, but you have to believe that you have taught them well, and they will be fine. less

3. Don’t worry, be happy: Get used to the fact that they will have their own lives at college. It’s easier said than done not to worry, but you have to believe that you have taught them well, and they will ... more

Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast, Associated Press

3. Don’t worry, be happy: Get used to the fact that they will... Photo-6666444.90783 - Houston Chronicle

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4. Give them space: Let your child take the lead on contacting you. Sooner or later, they will call home.

4. Give them space: Let your child take the lead on contacting you. Sooner or later, they will call home.

5. Don’t assume that your child is going to make the same mistakes you did in college : As parents, we want to protect our children and prevent them from getting into situations or making decisions that will negatively impact their lives or future. Remember, as much as we want to protect our children, we have to let them make their own choices and mistakes, and sometimes even live with the consequences. less

5. Don’t assume that your child is going to make the same mistakes you did in college : As parents, we want to protect our children and prevent them from getting into situations or making decisions that will ... more

Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta, Associated Press

5. Don’t assume that your child is going to make the same... Photo-6666446.90783 - Houston Chronicle

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6. When a problem arises, “move like your feet are stuck in molasses” Resist the temptation to rush and fix your kid’s problems. Jumping in robs them of the chance to develop the problem-solving skills all adults need. less

6. When a problem arises, “move like your feet are stuck in molasses” Resist the temptation to rush and fix your kid’s problems. Jumping in robs them of the chance to develop the problem-solving skills ... more

7. Be an anchor: Moving away from home is a big change for everyone, and kids often get homesick, especially in the first weeks. Be available to talk and cheer them up, but don’t drop everything and run to their side, or allow them to come home every weekend. less

7. Be an anchor: Moving away from home is a big change for everyone, and kids often get homesick, especially in the first weeks. Be available to talk and cheer them up, but don’t drop everything and run to ... more

Photo: J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press

7. Be an anchor: Moving away from home is a big change for... Photo-6666448.90783 - Houston Chronicle

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8. Move toward being adults, together: Realize that while your care-taking job as a parent is done, a new and maturing relationship with your child is forming that can hold deep satisfaction for both of you. This separation leads to the next stage, that of adulthood. less

8. Move toward being adults, together: Realize that while your care-taking job as a parent is done, a new and maturing relationship with your child is forming that can hold deep satisfaction for both of you. ... more

9. You'll get used to it
It might take a little bit of time, but soon it won't be such a big deal that your children have left home. In fact, when they return for holidays or for the summer you may need to adjust again to having them home. less

9. You'll get used to it
It might take a little bit of time, but soon it won't be such a big deal that your children have left home. In fact, when they return for holidays or for the summer you may need to ... more

Photo: Jae C. Hong, AP

9. You'll get used to it
It might take a little bit of time,... Photo-6666450.90783 - Houston Chronicle

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10. Remember that even when your child lives elsewhere, your spot in their heart is permanent.
Children will always need their parents, and parents will always need their children.

10. Remember that even when your child lives elsewhere, your spot in their heart is permanent.
Children will always need their parents, and parents will always need their children.